Please Note - If you are cruising around Australia you need to select Pacific.
With Regions, variances can apply for Bali, Indonesia, Japan and Middle East.
You are not required to enter stop-over countries if your stop-over is less than 48 hours.

If you don’t know where you’re traveling to within the next 12 months, choose Worldwide to ensure you’re covered no matter where you go.
If you’re travelling to multiple countries choose the region that you are visiting that is furthest away (excluding stopovers less than 48 hours).
In most cases you will be covered for the closer regions as well.
For example, if you choose Europe, you will also be covered in the Middle East, Asia and Pacific.

Domestic travel insurance

Many people forget to buy domestic travel insurance when they travel around Australia, but being covered at home is just as important as being covered overseas.

Australia is one big place and there is just as much to see and do here as there is going abroad. Assuming you're covered by Medicare, you don't need to worry about your health but there are still plenty of good reasons to buy travel insurance for trips around Australia.

Lost luggage, damage to a rental car, flight delays and cancellations and theft are all situations that could quickly put a downer on any domestic trip. Our guide helps to explain everything there is to know about cover for your holiday-at-home!

General Advice Warning: The contents of this article were accurate at the time of writing. Insurers change their policies from time to time, so some information may have changed. You should always read the Product Disclosure Statement of your chosen insurer to understand what is covered and what isn't. The information provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account any personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your personal circumstances.

Originally from the UK, Hayley took a gap ‘year’ in 2011… and it’s still going! She’s travelled all over the world, volunteering in a Ugandan orphanage, skydiving in Australia, shark diving in South Africa, and skiing in the Alps (and snapping in a ligament in the process!). Certified in Tier 2 General Insurance General Advice and working in travel insurance for over two years, Hayley is a thrillseeker and a storyteller who loves hearing about customers’ holiday plans and sharing her own tips and must-see spots to help get them inspired.

WHAT DOES domestic TRAVEL INSURANCE COVER?

cancellation cover

Sometimes trips just don't go to plan! Domestic cancellation benefits cover the cost of rearranging or cancelling your trip because of unforeseen circumstances like illness, accidents & extreme weather. Cover starts from the day you buy your policy not when your trip starts :)

Lost or damaged Luggage

It's a real pain in the butt when your stuff is lost, stolen or doesn't show up. At least if disasters happens on your holiday at home your policy will replace or reimbuirse you for your baggage and personal items if they disappear or are damaged.

Travel delays

Bummer, your interstate flight is delayed, now what!? If your transport is postponed due to an unforeseen reason, your out-of-pocket accommodation, meals, and transport costs would be covered until you get back-on-track.

rental car excess

Hiring a car? Did you know domestic travel insurance often includes your rental vehicle excess should you have a ding or your hire car is stolen? Don’t take up the expensive collision damage waiver with your rental company, get cover with your domestic policy for a fraction of the cost.

family emergency

It's always a worry going on holiday leaving loved ones behind. Never fear, should a close relative, or the person you’re travelling with become seriously ill, injured or heaven-forbid die, your travel expenses would be claimable. Restrictions can apply for relatives age, medical conditions and where they live.

Personal liability

A lawsuit would certainly put a dampender on your dream holiday. Relax as you're covered in the event that you are found to be legally liable for accidental injury or damage you may have caused to another person or their property whilst on your trip.

WHAT DOESN'T IT COVER?

Let's face it, domestic travel insurance can't cover everything!
Here's a few things to be aware of that might not be covered on your Australian adventure.

Medical benefits: Domestic travel insurance doesn't include medical benefits as the govenments healthcare system Medicare will take care of your medical troubles on home soil.

Dental Cover: It's also unlikely a domestic policy would include cover for dental expenses including hospital stays, surgery or prescriptions.

Permanent Disability: Not all insurers include permanent disability benefits as part of their domestic cover. This would normally include cover if you are injured on your trip and within 12 months of the date of the accident you permanently lose sight in one or both eyes, or one or more limbs.

Being reckless: We know that travel is all about new and exciting experiences, but if you deliberately put your life in danger (like jumping off a high cliff into the sea) you wouldn't be covered. Injuries or loss when alcohol or drugs have been involved may not be covered either. Not too many Espresso Martinis in Byron Bay now!

High risk activities: Many high risk activities and extreme sports are not covered. Always check whether your planned activities are before you go.

Known events: If news of a hurricaine affecting travel has already been spread all over the media and it prompts you to buy cover, it's already too late. You can of course still purchase, it's just that that particular known event is likely to be excluded from your cover.

And more...We haven't detailed all travel insurance exclusions here. Just the ones that tend to pop up. It's vital that you read your chosen insurer's Product Disclosure Statement before you purchase to understand the exclusions that apply to your cover.

Why you need domestic cover?

Too many Aussies go on holidays at home without thinking they need travel insurance, when they do! Here’s why!

Exxy flight Costs

Australia is a big place! Going from one side to the other will set you back significantly. If a family emergency stopped you from going on your trip, or your flight was cancelled, would you have enough money to pay for another flight?

missed events

Booked flights to see your favourite popstar or sporting team perform? In the event that your flight to that big event is cancelled or delayed domestic travel insurance will help you get there on time.

your stuff is important

Loss, theft or damage to your prized possessions can be a common, yet gut-wrenching experience. Don't worry, if your personal belongings go AWOL the right policy will pay to replace or repair them. Woop!

For your peace of mind

Many holidays are hassle free but a reasonable domestic policy is a small price to pay to cover your holiday at home. You wouldn’t travel overseas without cover, so don’t travel around Australia without it either.

domestic TRAVEL INSURANCE Faq'S

Have a tricky travel insurance question? Here are some of the most common queries we get from our customers.

What region does domestic travel insurance cover?

When you buy domestic cover, you are purchasing a policy for the whole country including Tasmania, Norfolk Island and Torres Strait. Create a quote to start comparing prices and features.

Does domestic travel insurance cover cruises in Australian waters?

When you go on a cruise in Australian waters, in most cases it’s required for you to purchase a Pacific policy. This is because visiting the doctor onboard the ship is charged at private/international rates. You’ll also need a Pacific policy to be covered for helicopter rescue off the ship. Some companies still allow you to purchase a domestic plan, but you’ll need to add-on a cruise pack in order to be covered from ship-to-shore.

What does rental vehicle excess cover?

Rental vehicle excess is the amount that you would have to pay in the event that your rental vehicle is stolen or damaged, while in your care. Many people buy domestic travel insurance for this benefit alone as it is far cheaper to buy a travel insurance policy, including cover for your hire car than it is buying excess cover direct from your rental company.

Can I buy domestic travel insurance for relatives visiting me in Australia?

Some Aussie companies offer “Visitors Travel Insurance” as it is known. You may be required to purchase the policy before the friends or relatives arrive in Australia and waiting periods may reply. See more about visitors cover here.

Does domestic travel insurance cover me for family emergencies?

Yes, in most cases, if a loved one is unexpectedly hospitalised or passes away and you need to return home early, your domestic cover will pay to get you there.

Does domestic travel insurance cover me for skiing in Thredbo or Perisher?

In most cases you’ll need to purchase some sort of ski or adventure pack in order to be covered for skiing or snowboarding within Australia. You should also consider whether ambulance costs would be covered should you need evacuating off a mountain. Speak to your chosen insurer to check if emergency evacuation benefits ae included in their domestic snow pack.

Can I buy annual travel insurance for domestic trips?

Are you in favour of a frequent city break? Whether it's Sydney, Adelaide or Perth you might benefit from a multi-trip policy designed for frequent domestic travellers. If you have more than two trips planned within a 12 month period an annual travel insurance policy can be significantly cheaper than purchasing a single trip policy each time you travel.

Comparetravelinsurance.com.au is Australia’s leading comparison site solely focused on travel insurance.

Our comparison is a free service that allows users to compare quotes in a few simple steps based on limited personal criteria. Comparisons supplied are not a recommendation or opinion about the suitability of a policy for a user. Comparisons are default ranked according to price and users have the ability to sort by popular cover levels. Whilst we compare a vast range of policies, we do not compare all providers in the market. This site compares the following brands: 1Cover, AllClear, Amex, Boomers, Budget Direct, Columbus Direct, Downunder, Fast Cover , InsureandGo, iTrek, Online Travel Insurance, Priceline, Simply Travel Insurance, Ski-Insurance, Tick Insurance, Travel Insurance Saver, Travel Insuranz, Virgin Money, Webjet, Wise Traveller, Worldcare, Zoom Travel Insurance
. The directors and shareholders are common with companies i-Trek Pty Ltd, Zoom Travel Insurance and 1Cover Pty Ltd including it’s subsidiary brand Ski-insurance. CoverDirect takes all reasonable care when preparing this information but does not warrant its accuracy. Pricing information is supplied by the providers who participate on this site and should be verified with the insurer before you purchase. This site links users to the website of the provider to verify quotes and access the relevant PDS to understand what is, and is not, covered by a policy prior to purchase.